Had you not put so much effort into that first email you wrote to me last year imploring me to come and let you put me through a couple of your training sessions, this letter wouldn’t be.

So thank you. That email triggered a series of decisions that have been truly life-changing for me. Perhaps even life-saving.

I knew last year that my weight and health were beginning to get out of my control. I was a regular gym-goer, but my body could almost sleep its way through the routine I had become accustomed to.

I came to you because of that email, but I’ve remained with you as my trainer and friend because you believe in me, and I believe in you.

The first time I walked in to 247 Fitness, I came thinking I was coming to a guy who flipped giant tires and who might just put me through paces that I could not possibly survive.

Boy, was I wrong.

What you did was take the time to understand my health limitations, my abilities, my history and my goals. I told you I wanted to have a professional wrestling match, to which you told me I would, but in time. I came with back ailments, knee problems, elbow problems and failing stamina.

You made me start all over. I complained a bit. I even, admittedly, questioned why someone who had built up such a foundation of strength over a decade at other gyms was being forced to start back at square one.

I quickly learned why.

Thank you for making me push that reset button.

And thank you for all of the things you have done and continue to do almost daily.

Sometimes it’s a voice note telling me how excited you are for a training session we have.

Sometimes it’s a text to say how happy you are to have seen me doing my shore leave mobility training. For those who haven’t worked with Farr, his company is Visionary Fitness and he’s built so much of his training and company around the idea that we’re setting sail on a beautiful ship to find our fitness. Shore leave is homework he assigns us for our days we’re not with him. But he doesn’t simply verbally tell you what he wants you to do, or just show you once. Instead, he tells you, shows you, and then sends you an email with detailed instructions, complete with YouTube videos of himself doing what he’s asking. One of Farr’s (who goes by Capt. V) top rules is he’ll never ask us to do something he won’t do himself. And if he happens to be at 247 Fitness when you’re there doing your shore leave, he’s always got an eye on your form and words of encouragement.

Sometimes it’s sharing an inspirational message or meme.

Sometimes it’s a call to see how my eating is going.

Thank you for going so far beyond the call of duty, and always putting my needs before your own.

And the training sessions? Just wow.

Words cannot do justice to so many of the innovative and effective things you’ve taught me. I’ve pushed and pulled you across the floor, I’ve done dead lifts with resistance bands, bench presses on foam rollers, pushes and pulls and holds on one leg, atop a bench press. And, truth be told, I’ve enjoyed every single second of it. Even if I may not have said that at the time. And, yes, even when I muttered curse words under my breath as I gasped for air.

Really, I just wanted to take some time to acknowledge you for all that you have done and continue to do for me along this journey. When people ask me about training with you, I really do tell them that you’re more than a trainer. And that’s the truth. No one cares more deeply about what they do than you do, and that kind of enthusiasm is utterly and completely contagious.

Today, I’m stronger, I’m faster, I’m leaner, I’m more mobile and I’m more enthused about training than I ever imagined I would be.